O W NER ’ S M A N U A L

WELCOME TO DAGGER EUROPE BE PART OF THE COMMUNITY You are in good company. Over the years Dagger From the mountains to the sea, Dagger paddlers has crafted a reputation for being at the cutting are relentless in the pursuit of adventure and play. edge of paddlesport, which is why so many of the Join in at www.daggereurope.com to share your worlds most passionate and well-known paddlers experiences, see what the team have been doing choose to use our boats. Like them, you’ll find and get the latest news. your Dagger will provide years of adventure wherever you want to go, and maybe places you CONTENTS haven’t thought of yet. 4 Kayak Key Features: Recreational/Touring 5 Kayak Key Features: Whitewater Formed in the late 80’s, Dagger has spent over two decades innovating and developing to create 6 Outfitting classic designs that always deliver performance, 12 Storage & Transport comfort and value. This guide will help you get 13 Care & Maintenance the best from your new Dagger kayak and also Additional Equipment ensure it in good condition throughout your 14 paddling adventures. 15 Your Safety 16 Warranty Thank you for choosing Dagger . 17 Service & Support

This owner’s manual and additional information is available at www.daggereurope.com KAYAK KEY FEATURES: RECREATIONAL / TOURING

Rudder (some models) Seat & seatback Large hatch Backband adjuster Security bar Thighbraces Deck rigging Small hatch Grab handle Compass Skeg Rail (some models)

Sidewall

Skeg/ lanyard Foot brace bolts Deck lines, bow and stern Chine FEATURES IN DETAIL

BOW/NOSE: The front of the kayak. THIGHBRACES: Shaped, padded braces under which GRAB HANDLE: Moulded plastic handles and both end STERN/TAIL: The back of the kayak. your thighs and knees are placed to help control the used to carry the kayak. DECK: The of the kayak. roll of the kayak. COMPASS: Some touring kayaks feature a position for a HULL: The bottom of the kayak. SEAT & SEATBACK: The seat includes an integral deck-mounted compass. SIDEWALL: The side of the kayak. seatback or adjustable backband to provide lumbar HATCHES: Allow gear to be stowed inside the kayak – CHINE: The edge where the hull meets the sidewall. support. hatches have a moulded rubber hatch cover to keep RAIL: The edge where the sidewall meets the deck. RUDDER: A movable blade at the stern of the kayak water out and your gear in. COCKPIT: The area where you sit – surrounded by the which helps the boat to turn and track. DECK RIGGING: Useful pattern of elasticised rope on the cockpit rim. SKEG: A fixed blade at the stern of the kayak which deck of the kayak, used to store additional items. FOOT BRACE: Adjustable pedals to rest your feet helps the boat to track. DECK LINES: Additional rigging on bow and stern for against – also used to steer the rudder fitted in some RUDDER LANYARD: Used to deploy and retract attachment and storage. kayaks. the rudder.

4 KAYAK KEY FEATURES: WHITEWATER

Security bar Stern/Tail Grab handle Backband adjuster Backband Seat Rudder (some models) Stern Seat & seatback Large hatch Backband adjuster Thighbrace Security bar Cockpit Cockpit Thighbraces Deck Deck Drain plug Grab handle Deck rigging Small hatch Bow/Nose Grab handle Compass Bow Skeg Rail (some models) Rail

Sidewall Hull

Skeg/rudder lanyard Sidewall Hull Chine Foot brace bolts Footbrace bolts Deck lines, bow and stern Chine FEATURES IN DETAIL

BOW/NOSE: The front of the kayak. COCKPIT: The area where you sit – surrounded by the SECURITY BAR: A fixed bar which can be used to lock STERN/TAIL: The back of the kayak. cockpit rim. your kayak to prevent theft. DECK: The top of the kayak above the waterline. FOOTBRACE: Adjustable pedals to rest your feet against GRAB HANDLE: Handles at bow and stern used to carry HULL: The bottom of the kayak below the waterline. – also used to steer the rudder fitted in some kayaks. the kayak. SIDEWALL: The side of the kayak. THIGHBRACES: Shaped, padded braces under which DRAIN PLUG: Plastic plug that screws into a threaded CHINE: The edge where the hull meets the sidewall – your thighs and knees are placed to help control the insert at the stern – used to easily empty whatever below the waterline. roll of the kayak. water has accumulated in the kayak. RAIL: The edge where the sidewall meets the deck – SEAT & SEATBACK: The shaped seat, sometimes adjustable, above the waterline. includes an integral seatback or adjustable backband to provide lumbar support.

5 OUTFITTING: SEAT

Most Dagger kayak seats are designed for use One of the most important considerations in by the majority of people without any adjustment. using your kayak is the way it feels to you – However, our seats are easily adjustable to ensure how comfortably it fits and how easy it is maximum performance. to get in and out of. Try paddling the boat with the seat in a neutral position before moving it to any degree.

ADJUSTING THE SEAT: REC/TOURING KAYAK 1 To adjust the seat in Dagger touring kayaks, unscrew and remove the plastic thumb nuts from the sides of the seat. Lift the sides of the seat off the retaining bolts. 2 Move the seat forward/backward as desired and test the fit by sitting in the kayak on the water. 3 When the correct position is attained, line up the holes in the side of the seat with the retaining bolts, replace and tighten the plastic thumb nut.

ADJUSTING THE SEAT: WHITEWATER KAYAK 1 To adjust the seat in Dagger whitewater kayaks, unscrew and remove the plastic thumb nuts from either the sides or bottom of the seat. Lift seat off remaining bolts. 2 Move the seat forward or backward as desired and test the fit by sitting in the kayak on the water. When the correct position is attained, replace and fully tighten the thumb nuts.

6 OUTFITTING: SEAT

CREEK SEAT ADJUSTMENT PLAY SEAT ADJUSTMENT HIP PAD ADJUSTMENT For ultimate strength some Dagger whitewater For lightweight connection some Dagger For increase your contact with the boat, the boats are fitted with the creek seat. whitewater boats are fitted with the play seat. hip pads can be adjusted.

1 Loosen, but DO NOT remove, five seat adjust- 1 Unfasten the upper back band straps. 1 Disconnect two buckles. ment screws. 2 Loosen the seat adjustment knob by turning five 2 Swing hip pad upward. 2 With both hands, slide the seat assembly fore or to six times but DO NOT remove it. 3 Insert foam padding into the pocket on the back to the desired location. 3 With both hands positioned as shown, press of the hip pad. 3 Tighten five adjustment screws securely. down on the rear adjustment knob and slide the 4 After you have inserted as much foam padding seat assembly foward or back. as desired, reseal and lower hip pad and Velcro® 4 Tighten the adjustment knob securely. into desired position, FASTEN BOTH BUCKLES, 5 Fasten both upper back band straps. and tighten the straps. 5 Stow the straps by wrapping them back behind the buckles and fastening to the Velcro® tabs. 6 Never allow your outfitting to impair exit in an emergency.

Seat adjustment Foam pad screw Seat adjustment screws

Hip pad

Buckles

Seat adjustment screws 7 Thigh brace OUTFITTING: THIGHBRACES / BACKREST set screws

THIGH BRACE ADJUSTMENT Some Dagger kayaks are outfitted with adjustable thigh braces, which help to your knees against the inside of the kayak.

1 Climb into the cockpit and get comfortable. Thigh brace adjustment screws 2 Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove both thigh brace set screws. 3 Loosen, but DO NOT remove, the thigh brace adjustment screws. 4 Position both thigh braces comfortably against your thighs by sliding fore or aft. 5 Securely tighten all four adjustment screws. 6 Install and securely tighten both set screws.

BACKBAND ADJUSTMENT All Dagger Europe kayaks have adjustable backbands to ensure you get the best fit and provide lumbar support. The backband should be adjusted enough that you feel secure while remaining comfortable. Do not overtighten as this could impair your exit or cause back injury.

1 Zone Outfitting: The height of the seat back can be raised or lowered. To raise simply grasp any section of the backrest and slide upwards. To lower, grasp the yellow adjustment lever and rotate it forwards and down.

2 Free standing backband: Use the sliders on the Slide seat back up and down back of the backband to adjust tension. Backbands featuring ratchets on the thighbraces Pull loose strap to tension can be adjusted here whilst sitting in the kayak.

8 OUTFITTING: FOOTBRACES Foam shims FOAM FOOTBRACES Dagger playboats are fitted with foam footbraces. These are lightweight, simple and allow you to get a custom fit. To maximise footroom, be sure to outfit your boat wearing the gear you’ll wear on the water.

1 Loosen strap and add/remove foam shims to achieve desired comfort. 2 Tighten strap, place in boat and check for com- fort and fit. Foam mountain

By knowing and understanding your SLIDELOCK FOOTBRACES Hand-adjustable footbraces allow you to reposi- kayak and its different parts, you will tion your foot pedals quickly and easily while be able to use it more efficiently and ashore or underway. To adjust pedal position, your kayaking experience will be locate the adjusting lever below the pedal more rewarding. track and lift so that it slides.

To lengthen the pedals, push the lever forward. Pull Push To shorten, pull the lever back towards the Lift Lift seat. Once in position, drop the lever and push with your toes.

9 OUTFITTING: FOOTBRACES

BULKHEAD FOOTBRACES Bulkhead footbraces help to distribute the force of a frontal impact and are fitted in most of our whitewater kayaks. To adjust the foot brace: 1 Unscrew and remove the retaining thumb nuts and move the aluminium runners backwards or forwards until correct fit is achieved. Always test the fit by sitting in the kayak. Adjust the bulkhead Adjusting the bulkhead for maximum width and height to be comfortably tight without hindering your exit from the cockpit. 2 Some bulkheads are also adjustable for width and height. You should adjust them to the maxi-

mum area as allowed by the internal dimensions Unscrew and remove plastic thumb nuts, adjust runners and replace of the kayak. Some kayaks come with several different sized bulkheads. Fit the bulkhead of the maximum size allowed by the position of the footbraces.

Fitting the foot plates and adjusting for maximum size

We recommend adding additional foam padding to bulkhead footrests for comfort and shock absorption.

10 OUTFITTING: STOWING YOUR GEAR

STOWING There is stowage space behind the seat and in If gear is stowed in the main cockpit area, ensure Ensure that all front of the footbraces of all Dagger kayaks. that there are no loose items impeding your hatch covers are This is accessed through the cockpit. To stow exit from the kayak. It is also a good idea to fitted properly before taking to gear in other areas of a Dagger touring/recreational place your items in a waterproof bag and tie the water kayak, simply open one of the hatches and it in to prevent loss in the event of a capsize. slide it in. Most Dagger kayaks with hatches have foam Heavier items should be placed towards the bulkheads that create compartments. Do not bottom and centre of the kayak and lighter overfill these compartments as this can damage equipment on top and towards the ends. the bulkheads and in some cases cause them to leak.

Load heavier Put lighter Bulkhead Bulkhead gear first gear on top

We recommend you use Palm Gear Carriers to keep your equipment dry

DECK RIGGING Rigging only Dagger recreational/touring kayaks feature Basic deck rigging deck rigging for stowing useful items: A spare take-apart paddle, pump, dry bag, first aid kit, sun hat etc. You can also stow maps flat under the elastic. On some Dagger kayaks there are attachment points to hold waterproof navigational chart cases to the deck of your kayak. Full deck rigging Expedition deck rigging and decklines Valuable items should be tied to the rigging to prevent loss. Check the security of stashed gear periodically and remember that heavy items attached to the deck of the kayak can reduce the stability of the craft.

11 OUTFITTING:

RUDDER OPERATION Some Dagger touring kayaks have a rudder Sit in the kayak and check the footbrace pedal fitted. Rudders are operated by the foot positions. The pedals should be adjusted to brace pedals which slide forward and back, fit the length of your legs and equal distances controlling the angle of the rudder. from the seat. Once adjusted, any slack in the rudder cables should be removed by tightening at the footbrace. RUDDER INSTALLATION 1 The rudder assembly is stored in the rear hatch. 1 Release the bungee loop securing the rudder Always secure the blade so that it is free to lift. rudder blade with the Remove the split-ring and plastic washer from bungee loop when the pintle (rudder post). Insert the pintle into the transporting your 2 Pull one of the balls on the rudder line until the kayak vertical hole of the gudgeon (moulded-in rudder rudder hangs vertically downwards. Test by pushing mount). Replace the washer and split-ring. on the footrests pedals with your feet. Attach the rudder cables. To do this, thread the 2 3 To stow rudder, pull the second ball to reset the ‘D’-shackles through the holes on each side of rudder on the deck. the rudder assembly and re-tighten the pins.

Insert pintle into gudgeon

Rudder cable with D-shackle

Gudgeon

Attach rudder cables at both sides

12 OUTFITTING: SKEGS

DROP SKEG Some Dagger Europe kayaks are fitted with a skeg. A skeg acts like a in the water and helps to keep you tracking in a straight line

Releasing the skeg using lanyard and if you are fighting wind or current. By deploying slider systems the skeg, you can concentrate on efficient forward paddling and making headway.

DROP SKEG OPERATION 1 For skegs with lanyards, locate and release the ball from its clamp. The ball is to the right of the cockpit at the end of the skeg line. The weight of the skeg will allow it to drop into the water. If your kayak features a slider instead, use this to drop the skeg. If it doesn’t, check for dirt or Skeg with lanyard debris caught in the mechanism and clean accordingly. 2 To stow the skeg pull on the line to retract it into the hull and re-hook the ball. Alternatively, slide the slider back to its original position.

Skeg with slider

13 CARE / MAINTENANCE

CARE CLEANING HULL DISTORTION Our roto-moulded kayaks are made of high- Usually, a quick rinse of fresh water is all that Polyethylene will become more flexible when density Super EXL linear polyethylene, which is is necessary to keep your kayak clean as well in warm conditions such as a hot, sunny day. virtually maintenance free. A minimal amount as functioning in good order. This is very Improper storage or transportation of a plastic of care in storage and transporting will help the important after paddling in salt water, particularly boat, especially in the heat, can potentially distort kayak maintain a like-new condition for many if your kayak is outfitted with a rudder system. the shape of the hull on your boat. years. Be sure to rinse the rudder, cables, and foot- If your kayak does become the victim of slight braces with fresh water to remove salt residue. WHITEWATER CARE distortion, correction is a simple process. Whitewater kayaks are built to withstand REPAIR OPTIONS Brief exposure to the heat of the sun is often more aggressive use than recreation or touring Although it is unlikely that your Dagger kayak all it takes to restore the hull to its original models. However, a certain amount of impact will need any repairs during its lifetime, it is shape. If that doesn’t work, the hull can usually and abrasion damage is to be expected possible that a hull crack or puncture may occur be restored by applying heat to the outside due to the nature of whitewater paddling. due to extreme impact or contact with a sharp of the boat with a hair dryer. Take care – object. If this happens, first contact Dagger Europe high, focused heat could cause damage. Continual exposure to abrasion can roughen or your local Dagger dealer to determine if the When the hull is pliable enough, it can be the hull surface. Scratching is often cosmetic or damage falls under the boat’s warranty (see pushed back into shape by hand. A weight superficial and requires no repair. warranty section). can be placed inside the boat to maintain the It is important to be able to determine when We will need the serial number of your kayak, shape of the hull as it cools. Allow 24 hours to damage is cosmetic or extends to impacting a good description of the damage (a photo- ensure the process is completed. the structure of the hull. Impacts are much graph is required) and a description of the more likely than scratches to result in structural incident during which the damage occurred. damage. Inspect your hull after suffering a collision. WARNING A warranty return form is available on our web Avoid dragging your kayak across the As strong and durable as it is, polyethylene is site www.daggereurope.com. ground to prolong its life and maintain its not indestructible. However, should the worst All of this information will help us determine look and performance. Two people, using happen, it is repairable – simply contact your the best course of action. the carrying handles, is the best way to local Dagger dealer. transport a longer kayak.

14 STORAGE / TRANSPORT

STORING YOUR KAYAK Boats made from polyethylene plastic are strong, rigid and highly impact resistant, but due to the nature of plastic in general, it is important to store your boat properly. It is always best to store your kayak indoors, out of direct sunlight and protected from inclement weather. Use slings or webbing Use foam to pad the Your boat can also be stored hull up on Preferably, you should stand your boat on end straps suspended from areas where the kayak parallel bars with weight supported evenly the ceiling or wall comes into contact throughout. or hang it suspended by slings. Hanging your with the wall boat from its grab loops or handles increases the chance of warpage. You can also store your boat on the floor, upside down, but only as a last resort.

TRANSPORTING YOUR KAYAK Because of their light weight and shape, Bow and stern lines Carry two or more kayaks are ideally suited for car topping. kayaks cockpit to Carry a single kayak cockpit - use upright Your primary concern in carrying your kayak cockpit down roof bars is that it stays securely tied to the vehicle. But, as with storage, another concern should be potential distortion of the hull. Car-topping the kayak is best done with a quality roof rack specifically designed for attaching

Foam cradle or pad kayaks (e.g. Thule). Foam cradles attached to the rack are another option. The boat should be tied to the vehicle as well as the rack by its grab handles. Over tightening bow and stern lines will increase the likelihood of warpage as will leaving the boat tied tightly in the sun for prolonged periods.

15 ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT

ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST: PADDLE AIRBAGS OUTERWEAR Paddles vary from 180cm to about Using airbags in your kayak keeps The correct choice of clothing 230cm. Given variations in pad- some of the water out of the boat is a major consideration when dling style, height, arm and boat in the event of a capsize, making it kayaking. The type of waterproof length we recommend testing easier to empty and increasing its protective clothing is dictated by different paddle lengths and blade buoyancy. water temperature, the weather shapes. conditions and type of activity.

BUOYANCY AID / PFD SPRAYDECK INSULATING LAYERS Never go kayaking without wear- We recommend using a spraydeck Quick drying synthetic fabrics are ing an approved, correctly fitting on moving water to keep water a must – don’t wear cotton. buoyancy aid. Always try on out of the boat and allow you to A range of polyester thermal layers buoyancy aids before you buy and perform an Eskimo roll. Ensure you designed specifically for kayaking remember to always inspect for are comfortable releasing the deck are available from palmequip- wear or diminished flotation foam and exiting the boat before use. menteurope.com before you get on the water.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

THROWLINE SPLIT PADDLE GOOD RIVER SHOES Never go whitewater kayaking If you loose or break your original Obvious, but essential. You’ll need without a throwline and rescue set you could be in trouble. shoes with good grip and firm knife and learn how to use them. Make sure you have at least one soles. Ask your local stockist for details spare set per group. of course providers.

FIRST AID KIT SLING / KARABINER HELMET There are several self-contained A simple but important piece of Always wear an approved kayaking waterproof versions for watersports whitewater rescue equipment. helmet when appropriate. A good available or put one together A sling has a variety of uses from fitting helmet could save your life. yourself. belay to improvised short There is a great choice of helmets throwline. Karabiners are essential to designed specifically for kayakers clip into boats, paddles or people. (check it’s approved to EN1385).

16 Visit palmequipmenteurope.com or your local retailer to learn more. YOUR SAFETY

DO DON’T

• Get paddlesports instruction from an • Never exceed your ability, so assess how Kayaking is an acquired skill and there is no approved provider. far and how long you can paddle substitute for experience and correct training. or swim. While the inherent risk in paddlesport can • Be sure you can exit easily from your never be eliminated, it can be greatly reduced boat. Practice wet exits in a pool or • Never paddle alone. by following a few simple steps before using another controlled situation before • Never consume drugs or alcohol prior venturing out. any Dagger product. to or during paddling. • Join a club. Local canoe clubs are a • Never paddle in flood conditions. great way to meet like-minded people and gain skills in a safe, social and fun • Don’t allow minors to use the boat Safety must be the foremost consideration in environment. without adult supervision. any watersport activity. While kayaking is a challenging and rewarding sport, it presents • Dress accordingly for the weather. • Avoid bracing yourself in the kayak in a risk of serious injury. Any person using Dagger such a way that you have to release any • Get first aid and rescue training and carry outfitting to escape. Europe kayaks assumes all risks and takes complete first aid and rescue equipment. responsibility for any and all damages, or injuries, • Do not impair entry or exit access to the • Check your equipment before each use including death, which may result from use of kayak when installing additional outfitting. for signs of wear or failure. Dagger kayaks. • Always inspect unfamiliar waters before paddling. • Tell someone where you’re going and how long you’re likely to be. • Follow manufacturers recommendations for use and outfitting of your kayak. • Subscribe to some paddlesport maga- zines. You can find most of them in your local news agents or online. There are also several excellent instructional DVDs and books available.

Visit palmequipmenteurope.com or your local retailer to learn more. 17 LIMITED WARRANTY

This limited warranty is only valid with the purchase LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS of a Dagger kayak from a Dagger authorised dealer. All Dagger Europe kayaks are fully covered This limited warranty does not apply to: by a 3-year warranty and all materials and This warranty is non-transferable. workmanship are guaranteed. • Normal wear and tear and ageing of product. HOW TO REGISTER YOUR BOAT • Kayaks damaged by extreme weather Please fill out the warranty registration form online at or environmental conditions TERMS AND CONDITIONS www.daggereurope.com or fill in and send off your • Kayaks damaged by accident, neglect, warranty registration card. Registration forms must improper use or handling For the original retail purchaser (“Consumer”), Dagger be completed within 30 days of original purchase to • Kayaks designated as prototypes Europe kayaks (excluding whitewater models) are be activated. We suggest you keep hold of your origi- • Kayaks sold as “demos” or in “as is” condition warranted against material or manufacturing defects nal sales receipt should it be required in the future as • Kayaks that have been structurally in the hull and deck for three (3) years from date of proof of purchase. or dimensionally altered or modified original purchase of the kayak. Parts, accessories, and • Kayaks with unauthorised repairs outfitting are warranted for a period ofone (1) year • Kayaks used for commercial, rental or professional against material or manufacturing defects from the OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE purposes only carry the guarantee for 12 months date of purchase. If you have a problem with your kayak and suspect from the date of consumer purchase. Dagger whitewater kayak models are warranted that it may be due to defective materials or workman- The 2nd and 3rd year warranty is automatically against material or manufacturing defects in the hull ship, contact Dagger Europe and arrange to have the cancelled. and deck for three (3) years from the date of purchase problem inspected. based on the coverage levels detailed below. Please return the kayak to Dagger Europe and enclose This limited warranty does not affect your statutory Parts, accessories, and outfitting are warranted for a the original receipt, kayak serial number, date of purchase, rights. period of one (1) year against material or manufacturing plus your name, address and telephone number and defects from the date of purchase. the name of the retailer you purchased the boat from. The following schedule details whitewater kayak coverage A warranty return form can be downloaded from our levels during the warranty term: web site at www.daggereurope.com. During the first year of ownership, this warranty covers re- If our inspection indicates a defect that may be pair or replacement of the hull, deck, outfitting, and due to materials or workmanship, Dagger Europe will all parts and accessories at 100% of the original retail repair or replace your kayak or affected part free of price. charge, at our discretion, based on the type of kayak and time of ownership corresponding to the warranty During the second year of ownership, this warranty covers repair or replacement of the hull and deck up coverage schedule detailed in the terms and conditions. to 80% of the original retail price. The customer is responsible for transportation costs to and from the Dagger Europe factory in Clevedon, During the third year of ownership, this warranty cov- UK. ers repair or replacement of the hull and deck up to 60% of the original retail price.

18 SERVICE / SUPPORT

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Boat Model: Serial Number: Date of Purchase: Dealer Name:

FINDING YOUR SERIAL NUMBER CONTACT US The serial number is located at the stern of the Customer Service: +44 (0)1275 798100 boat. On most boats it is engraved in an indentation Fax: +44 (0)1275 798110 on the right side of the boat, some models also Our opening hours are Monday – Friday, have this written on the inside of the cockpit 9 a.m to 5 p.m. rim. Dagger Europe Kenn Business Park SERVICE AND SUPPORT Kenn Road If you have a problem with your kayak that you Clevedon believe is covered under warranty, please contact North Somerset dealer from which you bought the boat. You BS21 6TH can find a listing of all dealers on our web site: United Kingdom www.daggereurope.com. www.daggereurope.com [email protected]

19 Dagger Europe Kenn Business Park Clevedon North Somerset BS21 6TH © 2013 Dagger Europe www.daggereurope.com 20

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